Friday, June 11, 2021

Last Minute Fathers Day Gift Ideas from Walmart

 Are you still looking for the perfect gift for the fathers in your life?  Fathers Day is next Sunday June 19th and there's still time to order online to ensure arrival well before his special day.  Do you like to exchange gifts with your spouse on Father's Day?  My husband is pretty easy to shop for.  His interests include fishing, barbecuing/cooking, music, and electronics.  A lot of women say that men are hard to shop for but I beg to differ.  Most men enjoy the simple things and if you can narrow down his interests and hobbies, you're sure to find something he will enjoy and love.  

I've rounded up some of my favorite Father's Day gift ideas from Walmart.  Walmart is a great place to shop as there is such a wide selection for the cooks, the outdoor enthusiasts, the home improvers, and the sports junkies to name a few.  In addition, you'll fid gift ideas that match any budget.

Happy Father's Day to my Husband Chris!

Hayley

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Jack & Collin's Graduation Party with Big Dot of Happiness

Congratulations Class of 2021!

 It’s been a tough year at school for all kids and they deserve to be celebrated! Big Dot of Happiness makes it simple to become a party throwing hero! My boys, Jack and Collin, recently graduated 8th grade and will be moving on to high school Freshman this fall! I can’t believe it! My husband and I decided to surprise them with an extra special swim/barbecue party at home with our closest family and their friends. 

(Left to Right: Jack, Aiden, and Collin)

Class Clown of 2021


Putting together the party décor was the easiest part with the Graduation product line from Big Dot of Happiness.  We decorated with the "Tassel Worth The Hassle - Gold" theme.  There are so many fun ideas to explore including photo booth props, banners, goody boxes, festive hanging decor, and yard signs to name a few!  The kids had a blast with the photo booth props capturing goosebump moments and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime! 


Collin being humorous!


Whether you’re celebrating an upcoming graduation, wedding shower, Father’s Day, or any special occasion, Big Dot of Happiness offers creative and fun party theme ideas for you to explore! Life is a celebration of the big and small moments. Big Dot of Happiness made it easy to create unforgettable Big Dot’s for my family to celebrate those moments that matter!



I'd like to thank Big Dot of Happiness for sponsoring this post.

Happy Summer Grads!

Hayley














Thursday, April 22, 2021

Jack's Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

 My son, Jack, is taking a home economics class in school and currently the students are learning how to bake, measure, and prepare ingredients.  Last night after dinner, Jack asked if I could help him make lemon poppy seed muffins. He had a recipe from school that he wanted to try at home.  Of course, I said "yes"!  Any time a kid shows interest in doing something that will improve their life skills is a wonderful thing!

We searched the kitchen to ensure we had all the ingredients first.  Thankfully, I had everything in the pantry the recipe called for except the poppy seeds.  Jack didn't mind leaving those out this time so we put on our aprons, turned on the oven, and began mixing the ingredients! 


Here is a list of all the ingredients you'll need:

  •  3 cups all-purpose flour
  •  1 cup granulated sugar
  •  2 tablespoons poppy seeds (we left them out this time)
  •  1 tablespoon baking powder
  •  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  •  1/4 teaspoon salt
  •  1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (Greek or regular) or buttermilk
  •  2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
  •  1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 3 lemons)
  •  2 large eggs
  •  1 stick (8 tablespoons, 4 ounces) butter, melted and cooled
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (if using a dark-coated pan, preheat to 350 degrees F). Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins or line with muffin liners.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt/buttermilk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and eggs.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and fold together once or twice to start combining.  Add the melted butter and gently fold/stir until just combined. Don't overmix or the muffins might be dry and tough!
  4. Fill the muffin cups about 2/3 of the way full (use a cookie scoop if you have one)
  5. Bake for 17-20 minutes until the top springs back lightly to the touch.
  6. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, let cool, and enjoy!  


The muffins turned out delicious and it was a blast baking with my son!  He wanted to do everything on his own, so I was only there to supervise and do clean-up (kids can be messy).  He was so proud of how they turned out and wanted everyone to try them - mom, dad, Grandma, and his brother!  They made a yummy dessert after dinner!  

Let me know if you give Jack's lemon muffin recipe a try!  He would be so excited to hear that he inspired more kids to get into the kitchen!

Happy Baking!

Hayley

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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Latest in Lilly Pulitzer - Spring 2021

 


Lilly Pulitzer will forever be one of my favorite go to brands.  I love the colorful patterns, beautiful details, whimsical prints, and Palm Beach Florida vibes. I mean, who doesn't love flamingos, palm trees, and the ocean?  Although I've been a California girl all of my life, Florida is one of our top family vacation destinations and these prints remind me of those sunny memories.

I was recently browsing the Lilly Pulitzer website because (ahem), we don't have a local store in the greater Sacramento area (hello...Westfield Roseville Galleria would be perfect!)  Anyway, I stumbled across so many cute spring and summer dresses, rompers, and tops and I felt compelled to share some of my favorites in my shopping cart!  

Are you looking for a Kentucky Derby dress or something to wear to an upcoming wedding shower or graduation?  Check out these ones here and here.  If you're looking for a pretty dress to wear to a spring or summer garden or tea party, I love these cute options here and here.  The Latest in Lilly finds has you covered for any occasion! 

Check out more of my current favorites in the shop carousel below! Hope you all are having beautiful spring weather and a great week so far!

With Love & Beachy Bliss,

Hayley

   

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Spring Party Dresses

 It's spring time!  The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and it's time to find that perfect dress for those upcoming spring soirees!  Don't worry - I've got you covered party girl!!  Are you attending a spring graduation, wedding ceremony, baby shower, bridal shower, or a fancy garden/tea party?  Well if the answer is yes to any of these special occasions, you'll want to shop early for the best spring selections!  I've gathered some of my favorites below.  You would be a knockout in any one of these dresses!

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Friday, March 26, 2021

Disneyland Resort Announces Plans to Reopen Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on April 30, 2021


 The joy and laughter and magical moments of the Disneyland Resort will soon return to its theme parks as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are planning to officially reopen to the public on April 30, 2021, with limited capacity.

“The day all of us have long been waiting for is almost here,” said Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort. “We’re excited to have more than 10,000 cast members returning to work as we get ready to welcome our guests back to this happy place.”

The dreams of being immersed in these theme park experiences will soon come to life, with unforgettable attractions, seeing beloved Disney characters, shopping for the latest Disney merchandise, savoring the world-famous food and drinks, and capturing fun photos. New magic will be unveiled, too, as the reimagined Snow White’s Enchanted Wish opens to guests for the very first time.

Once again, guests will experience the thrills of exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, embarking on a treacherous voyage on Pirates of the Caribbean, setting sail with children from around the globe on “it’s a small world” and zipping along Route 66 on Radiator Springs Racers. They may discover the joy of waving to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, finding the perfect Mickey ears, dipping into a DOLE Whip® and staying in the middle of the magic at a Disney hotel.

In the days leading up to the public opening on April 30, Disneyland Resort will invite cast members and members of the local community to be the first theme park guests after more than a year of closure.

The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort also plan to welcome guests once again, with a  phased reopening. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa plans to reopen on April 29, 2021, with limited capacity. Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will plan to reopen May 2. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and the Disneyland Hotel will reopen at a later date.

Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that requires all guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. To enter a park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for guests ages 3 and up. Theme park reservations will be limited and subject to availability and, until further notice, only California residents may visit the parks in line with current state guidelines.

More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. In addition, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com for the latest updates as they become available for theme park tickets, hotel booking and vacation packages, dining reservations and activity reservations such as Droid Depot.

The health and well-being of guests and cast members remain a top priority. Just as the Downtown Disney District reopened at Disneyland Resort on July 9, 2020, with enhanced health and safety measures, operational changes will be in place at the theme parks and hotels based on guidance from health authorities and learnings from our parks around the world to promote physical distancing, enhanced cleanliness and reduced contact. Cast members throughout the resort will be dedicated to assist with questions, and guests may check Disneyland.com/update for the most current health and safety measures, including mandatory face coverings for guests ages 2 and older.

A Touch of Disney, the limited-time ticketed experience which has sold out, will go on as planned at Disney California Adventure from March 18 through April 19.

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Classic attractions and fun-filled favorites



Classic and favorite attractions will begin to open at both parks – from epic experiences like the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to family-friendly experiences like Peter Pan’s Flight and Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind.

At Disneyland, the fun awaits on Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and King Arthur Carrousel, to name a few, and new magic is coming to Haunted Mansion. At Disney California Adventure, guests will be immersed in the stories and adventures of the Incredicoaster, Toy Story Midway Mania!, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, and more.

Guests will discover a newly reimagined attraction in Fantasyland – Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. The timeless tale comes alive in dazzling new scenes, including a dancing figure of Snow White joining the dwarfs in their cottage as the scent of a baking pie wafts through the air. Vibrant new shadow projections show the dwarfs as they march off to the mine happily singing “Heigh Ho,” and the new lighting, glittering jewels and shimmering effects make the mine sparkle. Guests then travel through the Queen’s den to see a new library of spell books, glowing potions and bubbling flasks, toward the famous magic mirror. In the end, Snow White and her Prince ride joyfully into a golden sunset to live happily ever after.

On the “must-do” list for many guests will be a journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the largest and most technologically advanced single-themed land expansion ever in a Disney park. Guests are transported to a galaxy far, far away at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu, where they can take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. The newest attraction in the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, opened in January 2020. It takes guests aboard a full-size transport shuttle before they are captured by a Star Destroyer, finding themselves in the middle of a climactic battle between the dark side of the First Order and the light side of the Resistance, including BB-8, Rey and Chewbacca.

Avengers Campus, a completely new land where guests can live their Super Hero dreams, will open at a later date at Disney California Adventure.

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Characters are part of the magic



From surprise appearances along Main Street, U.S.A and Pixar Pier to playful interactions, characters from dozens of favorite Disney and Pixar stories will entertain and delight guests across both parks. Beloved characters will pop up in new ways and sometimes in unexpected places as they remain mindful of physical distancing.

At Disneyland, guests may see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse waving from the train station, or Disney Princesses such as Mulan appear at the Royal Theatre to wave and pose at a distance for guests taking selfies. At Disney California Adventure, Pixar pals may wave from the bandshell at Pixar Pier, and guests can share a laugh while taking photos with Mater and Lightning McQueen along Route 66 in Cars Land.

Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date.

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Themed dining and world-famous food and drinks

Tasty, tantalizing and ready for social media, Disneyland Resort snacks and dishes are a food-lover’s fairytale wishes come true. Park favorites such as the DOLE Whip®, corn dogs and churros are fun treats offered alongside memorable dining experiences that include lobster nachos and novel drinks at Lamplight Lounge, brisket mac & cheese at River Belle Terrace and Mediterranean-California fare at Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining. The parks offer a multitude of food and drink options, from uniquely themed candy apples and specials like Walt’s Chili to the always popular Plaza Inn fried chicken.

At several locations around the resort, mobile ordering* on the official Disneyland app now is the primary way to order food and drinks. Dining reservations are recommended for table-service restaurants.

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Check in to the magic at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

After playing in the theme parks, guests may relax with an overnight stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where they are surrounded by the Craftsman-style architecture and the tranquil feel of redwood forests. Guests are treated to genuine hospitality and legendary service, just steps from the Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort theme parks. The enchanting Disney magic includes well-appointed accommodations, sparkling pools and a chance to request a wake-up call with greetings from some favorite Disney characters.

Guests with valid theme park admission who are planning a stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel will need to also book theme park reservations in advance, as a hotel stay does not guarantee a park reservation. Hotel capacity will be limited. Guests may soon book hotel stays for Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or a nearby Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, by visiting Disneyland.com or contacting a travel professional.

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Digital tools help guests make the most of their visits



To make the most of a visit to the Disneyland Resort, guests will have digital tools right at their fingertips with the Disneyland app. Guests are strongly encouraged to use the Disneyland app to plan ahead and utilize mobile ordering* for food and beverage purchases from select locations, as well as to check park hours, make dining reservations, and view maps and other important resort updates. Mobile wait list (subject to availability) and mobile check-in options will be available for table-service dining at select locations. Disneyland Resort also recommends cashless transactions such as electronic payment to reduce contact.

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Check Disneyland.com for the latest updates  

For everything they need to know about their visits, guests are encouraged to check Disneyland.com regularly for the latest information, including upcoming details about ticket sales and reservations, and which experiences are currently available or will be offered.** Guests also are also encouraged to follow the Disney Parks Blog for reopening details.

The plans to open Disneyland Resort are phased and subject to change, to align with guidance released from time to time by health authorities and appropriate government agencies. This guidance is fluid and applicable at any given time as community situations change. With that guidance, many factors will determine the timing of when offerings may be available, and the status of indoor and outdoor experiences.

* Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

** Upon reopening, certain parks, hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences and other offerings will be modified or unavailable, will have limited capacity and will be subject to limited availability or even closure, and park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. 

DOLE WHIP is a trademark of Dole Food Company, Inc. Used with permission. 

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Elegant Mirrors To Decorate Your Home

 When used as wall decor, mirrors can amplify light and create the illusion that a room is larger than it actually is. With unique shapes and decorative frames, mirrors can stun as standalone wall accents or as stylish additions to your existing wall decor. 


Typically a final pit stop to check your look before you run out the door, mirrors serve an important function in most homes. They can be simple and subdued, or artful, ornate statement pieces. They come in all shapes, sizes, and styles and bring a little bit of glamour to every room of the house.  

A well-placed mirror can work wonders in your room and has many different benefits.  They can be used to light up a dark hallway, create a splash in a bathroom, make a small bedroom space appear larger, provide a beautiful focal point in a dining room, or create a unique and interesting wall collage when mixed together with different shapes, sizes and textures.  

I've gathered some of my favorites in the collage and shop links below. Tell me which is your favorite and what room or design challenge you are currently addressing.

Happy Decorating!

Hayley